Algerian Man Who Put His Arms Around a 16-Year-Old Girl, Tried to Kiss Her and Offered to Buy Her a Vape If She Went Into an Act With Him Avoids Jail Because Of

Police say they are reviewing the sentence given to an Algerian migrant who was convicted of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl near one of London’s busiest train stations.

Sofiane Belasri, 40, approached the teenage girl and two of her friends at Liverpool Street station in London on July 4, 2024. According to the case, he initially offered to buy alcohol for the teenagers and later bought them £12 worth of wine.

The three friends then went outside the station and sat on some steps in the Bishopsgate area. Belasri stayed close to the group and began paying particular attention to the 16-year-old girl, telling her that she was “beautiful”.

However, the situation soon became frightening for the teenager.

Belasri sat behind her and repeatedly touched her without her consent. He grabbed her, put his arms around her neck and attempted to kiss her.

The girl made it clear that she was not interested and repeatedly told him to leave her alone. She pleaded with him to get off her, but he continued his unwanted behaviour.

The court heard that Belasri then put his arms over the teenager’s shoulders and sexually assaulted her by grabbing her breasts.

The situation became even more disturbing when Belasri allegedly offered to buy the teenagers a vape if they went with him into an alleyway and performed a sexual act on him.

One of the victim’s friends quickly realised they needed help. She ran across the road to Bishopsgate Police Station and reported what was happening.

City of London Police officers responded immediately and rushed to the scene. Belasri was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.

He denied committing the offence, but the case eventually went to court and he was convicted earlier this year.

Belasri appeared at Southwark Crown Court for sentencing on Monday. Despite the seriousness of the offence and the victim being only 16 years old, he was not sent immediately to prison. Instead, the court handed him a two-year suspended sentence.

A suspended sentence means he will not serve the prison term immediately, provided he complies with the conditions imposed by the court and does not trigger the sentence during the suspension period.

City of London Police have now said they are reviewing the sentence alongside lawyers from the Crown Prosecution Service. This could include considering whether there are grounds to challenge the sentence if it is believed to be unduly lenient.

Detective Inspector Matthew Alexander, from the City of London Police public protection unit, praised the teenage victim and her friends for coming forward and helping officers with the investigation.

He said their bravery played an important role in allowing police to investigate the case and bring it before the court.

Police also acknowledged that reporting sexual offences can be extremely difficult for victims. They encouraged anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, or anyone worried about another person’s safety, to contact the police.

The force said specialist officers are trained to deal with these reports carefully and sensitively while investigating allegations and working to bring offenders before the courts.

Officers stressed that everyone should be able to feel safe while living, working or visiting the City of London. Police said they would continue working with communities and other organisations to identify offenders and protect vulnerable people.

City of London Police confirmed that the sentence handed to Belasri is now being reviewed.

The force also said tackling violence against women and girls remains an important priority. It said this includes strong enforcement against offenders, investigations focused on supporting victims and preventative work designed to reduce violence and abuse.

As a White Ribbon Accredited organisation, City of London Police said it is also committed to challenging harmful behaviour and promoting attitudes that help prevent violence against women.

Police added that supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice will remain a priority, alongside working with businesses, community groups and other organisations to raise awareness and increase public confidence in reporting offences.